Amazing Benefits of Papaya

Papaya is colorful, eye-pleasing as well as a great treat to the taste buds. Add to that a load of health benefits, and what you have is a near perfect combination of taste and goodness. The fruit, both in its raw and ripe form, the seeds, flowers, and the leaves are all packed with useful nutrients and are attributed with a variety of benefits.

Prevention of cardiovascular disease:

Papaya is rich in anti-oxidants such as carotenes, flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as vitamin B (folate and panthothenic acid), all of which contribute to a healthy and clean circulatory system.

Papaya is also a good source of fibre and minerals such as magnesium and potassium, calcium, phosphorous, manganese, and a number of phytochemicals, and carotenoids, nutrients shown to improve cardiovascular health.

Builds immunity:Papaya is a rich source of vitamin C, which is considered essential for building immunity.

Improves skin and hair health and skin complexion:The enzyme papain which is found in papaya helps in breaking dead cells and promotes renewal of cells. The use of papaya as a facial mask reduces premature aging and wrinkles.

Protection against macular degeneration:The anti-oxidant called zeaxanthin creates a protective shield against the eye, preventing the harmful effects of UV rays.

Aids in weight loss:Papaya is rich in fibre and has few calories, so if you are aiming to lose weight then it is a must in your menu. The fibre will keep you feeling full longer and as it has as few as 43 calories per a serving of 100 grams, you can happily eat the fruit without restrictions.

Improvement of respiratory problems:Due to the presence of beta-carotene in papaya, the risk of asthma may be lowered.

Better Digestion:The fibre in the fruit helps in better digestion and intestinal motility. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in soothing intestinal inflammation. Raw papaya has a laxative in the form of milk which is useful in treating constipation.

Detoxifying agent:Papaya detoxifies the body. Consuming papaya as part of a fruit diet for three days will detoxify the body and help the body renew its strength and boost up its energy levels.

Improve oral health:Papaya seeds and leaves in their powdered form give relief from a tooth-ache and cure bleeding gums.